list of blue angels pilots
Naval Air Forces, is strapped into an F-A-18 Hornet, assigned to the U.S. Na.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-015 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. On May 10, 1991, Savannah State University dedicated a static display A-4 aircraft on the university's campus in honor of Cochran's achievements. Follow us on Facebook: @USNavyBlueAngels, Instagram: @USNavyBlueAngels and Twitter: @BlueAngels. Before the Blue Angels perform at an air sh.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-018 Lt. Dave Tickle, narrator for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, and Lt. Todd Royles, events.jpg, US Navy 101122-N-0092J-025 Before the Blue Angels perform at an air show site, the team's narrator and events coordinator fly to each proposed show.jpg, US Navy 101203-N-0092J-196 Sailors and Marines assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, carry bags of toys to Nava.jpg, US Navy 110215-N-IR859-005 Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, commander of U.S. Navy Cmdr. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, 160511-N-II118-003 160511-N-II118-003.jpg, Blue Angels - 2010 Joint Service Open House and Airshow.jpg, Blue Angels activity 131023-N-SH953-220.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-082.jpg, Blue Angels announce 2015 team members 140709-N-WJ386-086.jpg, Blue Angels Captain Katie Higgins and Major Mark Hamilton.JPG, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-033.jpg, Blue Angels crew chief washes aircraft 130514-N-SN160-206.jpg, Blue Angels crew chiefs wash aircraft 130514-N-SN160-108.jpg, Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Team 2014 (13194011724).jpg, Blue Angels flight leaders 46-55 NAN8-55.jpg, Blue Angels LCdr- HarleyHHall NAN3-70.jpg, Blue Angels Lockheed C-130 Hercules Fat Albert 1.jpg, Blue Angels Newton-John Travolta cropped.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-178.jpg, Blue Angels program 131108-N-SH953-285.jpg, Blue Angels roster 1946-1961 NAN12-61.jpg, Grim Blues after photo shoot in inclement weather Pensacola FL.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-330.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-336.jpg, Joint Service Open House 2012 120518-N-FJ200-342.jpg, MAGTF Aviation Combat Element (26490416299).jpg, Marines assist Blue Angels, follow their dreams 120504-M-OT671-139.jpg, Medal of Honor jet departs 3rd MAW 131114-M-XW721-004.jpg, Medal of Honor recipient speaks to Blue Angels 130806-N-SH953-033.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-083.jpg, Seattle Fleet Week 150729-N-OP638-084.jpg, Thunderbirds and Blue Angels 120301-N-BA418-007.jpg, US Navy (USN) Lieutenant (LT) Craig Olson (foreground left), a pilot assigned to the USN Blue Angels, flight demonstration team, signs autographs for excited fans during the annual - DPLA - 5387dd71ee83c32be93ad60db9451431.jpeg, US Navy 030905-N-4459K-020 Lt. Cmdr. The officer selection process requires pilots and support officers (flight surgeon, events coordinator, maintenance officer, supply officer, and public affairs officer) wishing to become Blue Angels to apply formally via their chain-of-command, with a personal statement, letters of recommendation and flight records. After serving with the Blues, members return to fleet assignments. Blue Angel No.4 serves as the demonstration safety officer, due largely to the perspective he is afforded from the slot position within the formation, as well as his status as a second-year demonstration pilot. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Heinz asks fans to help find sailor who survived weeks at sea on ketchup so they can buy him new boat, Chinese military orders US Navy plane to stay away from its airspace, Decorated Navy SEAL killed in free-fall parachute training accident, Pitcher set to join Phillies after Navy service change. In July 1994, he was selected as the first African-American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels.[3]. They are seriously some of the coolest people you will ever meet because being a blue angel is more than just being a bad ass pilot, its about being a bad ass person. The selected 2023 officers include: F/A-18E/F Demonstration Pilots: -Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea Dietlin, of Rochester Hills, Michigan. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2012. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. He serves as a KC-130J Hercules pilot with the Sumos of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 and is a 2014 graduate of Indiana University. She is currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which is stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year, said Capt. Applicants "rush" the team at one or more airshows, paid out of their own finances, and sit in on team briefs and post-show activities and social events. 2023 Stars and Stripes. The team makes selections at the conclusion of that week. Im humbled to have come full circle, and now fly the very aircraft I used to work on as a maintainer, Lee said. She graduated from Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois in 2007, according to the U.S. Navy. -LT Griffin Stangel, of Madison, Wisconsin, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. Arranged by the number on the jet they fly. Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA. She's home:Welcome home: New Fat Albert C-130 J Super Hercules arrives in Pensacola, "Not being able to fly across the country and execute our mission definitely affects some of ourbest practices, if you will, and some of the training when it comes to the refinement from the demos," Kesselring said Friday. -LT Christopher Kapuschansky, of Yorktown, Virginia, is an F/A-18 pilot currently assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106. We've received your submission. Mark Lambert, flight surgeon for the Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, visits with a resident of the nursing home care center at Spokane Veterans Administration Hospital.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-021 Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alisha Raper, plane captain for U.S. Navy flight demonstration team aircraft Blue Angel Five, gives final confirmation to her pilot, Lt. Cmdr. The most recent minority Blue Angel pilot was LCDR Keith Hoskins on the 2000 team. Higgins flew the teams C-130 Fat Albert transport plane from 2014 to 2016. Enlisted members range from E-4 to E-9, and perform all maintenance, administrative, and support functions. Blue Angels McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms (National Naval Aviation Museum). Lt. Amanda Lee, the first female to join the US Navy Blue Angel's as a fighter pilot. WebDuring its history, 26 Blue Angels pilots have been killed in air show or training accidents. It served in this role from 1956 to 1968. Your work environment matters and when the values of respect, integrity, honesty, and loyalty break down, so does your performance! The squadron made one deployment on board the USS Ranger to the Persian Gulf and flew missions over Southern Iraq enforcing the southern no fly zone. Captain Cochran made one deployment on board the USS Ranger (CV-61). Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. Those are the six aviators currently five from the Navy and one from the Marine Corps who perform in the airshows. Cochran completed flight school, earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1978 after completing basic jet training in the T-2C Buckeye, and advanced jet training in the TA-4J Skyhawk. Naval Air Forces, walks with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration s.jpg, US Navy 110416-N-IR859-030 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-IR859-087 The Blue Angels performed at the joint reserve base as part of the 2011 show season and in celebration of the Centennial.jpg, US Navy 110417-N-YM440-006 Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jeff Harper, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Bl.jpg, US Navy 110506-N-ZL585-030 Lt. Jason Smith, center, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Mocek visit with young patients at Children's Hospital New.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-014 Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Curt Metzger, from St. Petersburg, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demo.jpg, US Navy 110614-N-BA418-053 Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Schweitzer, from Orlando, Fla., assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squ.jpg, US Navy 110626-N-IR859-042 Capt. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. Lt. Cmdr. With World War II fresh in the memories of the public when the Navy established the Blue Angels in 1946, the first flight leader Lieutenant Commander Roy Butch Voris created a show segment in which the teams F6F Hellcats pursued an airplane playing the role of a Japanese fighter and shot it down. The first plane to fill this role was an SNJ Texan advanced trainer nicknamed Beetle Bomb., North American SNJ Texan "Beetle Bomb" (National Naval Aviation Museum). Deo Harrypersaud, crew chief of the Blue Angels ^7 plane, prior to a VIP ride with.jpg, US Navy 070707-N-2888Q-003 Lt. Cmdr. Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers Strategic The Blue Angels will complete the 2022 season with a homecoming show in Pensacola, Fla., in November. C-130 Demonstration Pilot: When the Blue Angels transitioned to the F8F Bearcat, they painted one of them yellow to fill the role of Beetle Bomb. It continued to fly even when the teams transitioned to jet aircraft in 1949. The swept-wing successor to the F9F Panther, the Cougar equipped the Blue Angels for only a brief time. The number 7 pilot narrates for a year, and then typically flies Opposing and then Lead Solo the following two years, respectively. The four diamond pilots were frozen in positioned for a year to enhance safety, to accommodate the team's transition to the new F/A-18, and to fly a complete airshow season in the same year. Greg McWherter presents Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus an autographed memento of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in flight.jpg, US Navy 100625-N-0092J-029 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, rest on the vertical stabs of an F-A-18 Hornet after performing at The Great Minnesota Air Show.jpg, US Navy 101022-N-8102J-044 Retired Cmdr. He graduated from George Washington University in 2010. Navy), Lt. Amanda Lee, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106s Rhino Demo Team, maneuvers an F/A-18E Super Hornet at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Ore., May 21, 2022. The US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron selected Lt. Amanda Lee to be the first woman to serve as a F/A-18E/F demonstration pilot. Its because of women like Capt. The following 160 files are in this category, out of 160 total. F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: Donnie L. Cochran is a former United States Navy naval aviator and was the first African-American aviator to be selected to the Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels in 1986. DVIDS/US Navy. Introduced in 1962, the Double Farvel maneuver had both the flight leader and slot pilots fly inverted. -LT William Kruger, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a Supply Officer currently assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Greg McWherter, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, is interviewed by a TV.jpg, US Navy 100321-A-4584J-010 Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, center right, and Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army Gen. Ashfaq Kayani, pose with members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team,.jpg, US Navy 100516-N-8732C-274 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus congratulates Cmdr. The Navy began to reduce the number of F-14 Squadrons out of the fleet and VF-1 was disestablished. We had an overwhelming number of applicants from all over the globe this year, Capt. Craig Olson.jpg, US Navy 080907-N-0411D-023 Blue Angel Plane Captains run from the runway as part of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team The Blue Angels performance at The Great State of Maine Air Show.jpg, US Navy 090502-N-9712C-001 Lt. Manuel Sanchez, a maintenance officer assigned to the Blue Angels, administers the oath of enlistment to delayed entry program recruits from the New Orleans area.jpg, US Navy 090530-N-1928O-163 Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of the Navy Reserve, receives a gift of appreciation from Marine Corps Maj. Drew Hess, and crewmembers of the Blue Angels C-130 Hercules.jpg, US Navy 090829-N-1928O-113 A Sailor assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, prepares for take-off during the Defenders of Freedom Air Show at Offutt Air Force Base as part of Omaha Navy Week.jpg, US Navy 090916-N-6220J-003 Cmdr. The Blue Angels on Monday announced their official officer and pilot lineup for the 2021 air show season. With these fantastic new additions to the Blue Angels team for 2022, we are all well equipped to head into our next show season. All structured data from the file namespace is available under the. For the latest information regarding the Blue Angels and the 2021/2022 show seasons, be sure to stay tuned to our social media, website, and mobile app. You cannot lead anyone who will dishonor you! She first worked as an aviation electronics technician and was selected to participate in the Seaman-to-Admiral Commissioning Program. The only aircraft operated concurrently by both the Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the F-4 was the platform the team took to the far corners of the globe, touring South America, Asia, and Europe during the four years the Blue Angels operated the powerful aircraft. Three years later, in April 2016, Lee was designated a naval aviator, the U.S. Navy said. You must take actions and hold offenders accountable. By the time Captain Cochran completed his first deployment he and VFP-63 Detachment 5 had completed an around-the-world deployment during a nine-month cruise. MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. For the first time in the history of the famed U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron Blue Angels, a woman has been named as a pilot for the team. In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the left wingman position flying the number 3 jet in the A-4F Skyhawk. To make room for the Special Forces Helicopters, VFP-63 Detachment 5 was flown to the USSCoral Sea(CV-43) for the remainder of the deployment. Tucker said that the investigation is not linked to the Jan. 22 emergency landing of an unnamed Blue Angels pilot at El Centro. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. The 2021 air show season, the 75th in Blue Angels history, is slated to begin April 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This year offered an exemplary group of applicants from around the fleet, making our selection process very difficult, said Cmdr. The Blue Angels appointed its first female jet pilot to join the squadron on Monday. [citation needed]. F/A-18 demonstration pilots: Navy Lt. Cmdr. During the Korean War, the Blue Angels were disbanded in 1950 but returned a year later. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, announced officers selected for the 2022 air show season July 10, just hours before they performed for their hometown crowd at the 2021 Pensacola Beach Air Show. Presented here are historical images of some of these classic propeller-driven aircraft and thunderous jets flown by the Blue Angels. Lt. Cmdr. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2017. Flight surgeons serve a two-year term, and act as the team recorder during air shows, and help oversee emergency response planning with the various air show planners. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012. Each year, the Blue Angels selects finalists from an applicant pool and interviews them during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The squadron selected three F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a C-130 demonstration pilot, and a supply officer to replace outgoing team members. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy with over 24 years of leadership and aviation expertise. Allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously by the Navy but it would be inappropriate at this time to comment on an ongoing investigation, Tucker said. His awards include the Joseph Galloway Award for Distinguished Reporting on the military, a first prize from Investigative Reporters & Editors and the Combat Infantryman Badge. DIVE! Anthony Walley, ^2 Pilot of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, speaks with students in the Omniplex theater at the St. Louis Science Center.jpg, US Navy 071110-N-5328N-910 Blue Angels No. The Blue Angels, the Navys flight demonstration team, announced six new officers for the 2023 air show season on Monday, including the first woman demonstration pilot to fly the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. He is a naval flight officer assigned to the Naval School of Aviation Safety and graduated from the University of Colorado in 2008. There have been female and racial minority staff officers as official Blue Angel members, in support of the Blue Angels recruiting for the Navy and Marine Corps. During this deployment, the Iranians took over the US Embassy and the USS Nimitz was diverted to the Indian Ocean. Commander Greg McWherter (Head of the Blue Angels) Lieutenant James Tomaszeski. They serve three to four years in the squadron. He served in the Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Lee grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota and later attended the University of Minnesota at which point she decided to enlist in the Navy. This page was last edited on 2 October 2010, at 13:33. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. (U.S. Navy photoby Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Hendrix). As the U.S. Navys flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels mission is to showcase the skill and teamwork of the Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach. It was during this tour that Captain Cochran applied for, completed an interview process, and was selected as commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. Rushes are asked to tell a joke prior to the brief, and graded by the team as part of the rigorous selection process. John Saccomando, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs after their performance.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-3874J-002 Crew Chief Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Eric Velazquez of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, moves to a safe location, as his Blue Angel F-A-18A Hornet starts to taxi prior to take off.jpg, US Navy 050202-N-8977L-004 A crew coordinator for the Blue Angels prepares to taxi four of the Blue Angel's F-A-18A Hornets prior to launch for a morning training exercise during their annual winter training on board Naval Air.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-170 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott climbs from the back seat after taking a flight in an F-A-18D Hornet while visiting the Blue Angels' winter training facility on board Naval.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-204 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facili.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-0962S-209 After receiving a flight in a Blue Angel F-A-18D Hornet, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott speaks to the pilots and maintenance team at the Blue Angels' winter training facil.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-1539M-006 Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry D. Scott answers questions from members of the Blue Angels maintenance team.jpg, US Navy 050203-N-8977L-003 Sailors of the Blue Angels Power Plants Department remove the engines from an F-A-18A Hornet for maintenance during their annual winter training on board Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, Calif.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-013 Dallas Cowboy football legend, Roger Starbach, presents the members of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, with autographed footballs.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-2360K-014 James Reagan and Rebecca Bennet receive signed lithographs from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, as congratulations for their achievements.jpg, US Navy 050401-N-8110K-058 U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team Blue Angels Maintenance Master Chief, William Casttilla, left, and Command Master Chief, Kevin Harris, center, greet retired Tuskegee Airman Dick Macon.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-631 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Many highly qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. Max McCoy, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for fans during the Texas Thunder 2005 Air Show.jpg, US Navy 050402-N-1328C-641 F-A-18A Hornet Slot Pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Deo Harrypersaud, before taking a ride in a Blue Angel.jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII (cropped).jpg, US Navy 080203-N-9641C-002 Members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, The Blue Angels, are on the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLII.jpg, US Navy 080808-N-3271W-037 Lt. Cmdr. WebThe Blue Angels might be a demonstration team, but they are naval aviators first. Dan Martin signs an F-14 Tomcat toy, for a child.jpg, US Navy 031017-N-6213R-030 Ground crews stand by as the United States Navy's precision flight demonstration team Blue Angels perform.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-361 During Naval Air Station Lemoore's annual air show, pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, give a final salute ending their show.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-378 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show on board Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040320-N-6060O-379 Lt. Craig Olson, a pilot assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, signs autographs for excited fans after the annual air show aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.jpg, US Navy 040327-N-7559C-001 The Commanding Officer for the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team Blue Angels, CDR Russ Boss Bartlett, of Nantucket, Mass., talks to his crew chief.jpg, US Navy 040514-N-0295M-045 Draftsman 2nd Class Jeffrey Ballge photographs one of the Blue Angel's six F-A-18A Hornets.jpg, US Navy 040606-N-7559C-001 Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Mario Delacruz, from El Paso, Texas, wipes brake dust from the tire rim of a Blue Angels F-A-18A Hornet.jpg, US Navy 041024-N-8253M-010 Pilots assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, march down the ramp following their performance at the 2004 N'Awlins Air Show.jpg, US Navy 041106-N-4779D-045 A crew chief assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, salutes the pilot of his F-A-18A Hornet as he prepare for takeoff.jpg, US Navy 041107-N-8683B-110 Lt. Cmdr.